Press brakes bend and shape metals. Some can also punch holes and shapes into the sheets they work on. While traditional press brakes are effective, you get more from this technique if you use a CNC machine.

These machines automate the pressing process. What are the advantages of switching to a computerised press brake?

1. Faster Production Times

While an expert operator can run sheets quickly through a press brake, a CNC machine works faster. You can complete more jobs more quickly on a computerised press.

Once you've programmed the machine, it runs automatically until the job is done. Your operator won't have to make manual changes to its tools or dies, which would normally shut production down for a time.

2. More Consistent Results

If you use a standard press brake, then you might need to experiment before you get exactly the right settings for the bends, cuts or holes you want to make. If you need precise results, you might need to run a few sheets through the machine until it is in the right position.

If you are working to a complex specification, then you might find it hard to get every part of the job right. Multiple angles might take some working out.

If you use a CNC press brake, then you simply program the settings into the computer module. It will work out all the angles it needs from the start.

Plus, if you use a machine that has a thickness detection program, then your press brake will even measure the thickness of the sheets. This ensures that any bends it makes are identical even if the thickness of your materials isn't the same through the whole piece.

Some CNC press brakes also have built-in design alerts. So if you make a mistake in your calculations, the machine will flag it up. For example, it will warn you if you're trying to punch holes or make cuts too close to a bend or curve.

Every sheet you run through the machine will come out exactly the same. You will get consistent and high-quality results.  

3. Reduced Wastage Costs

If you run trial sheets through a regular press brake, then you waste every sheet you use until you settle on the right settings. Plus, if you miscalculate a bend, hole or cut, then you waste more material.

If you switch to a CNC press brake, then its automated system reduces wastage. The machine works out settings for you. It is much less likely to make a mistake.

For more information on CNC press brakes and their advantages, contact steel fabrication companies.